I am a firm believer that every child should have an opportunity at a great education. There is no one more important in my life than my daughter, and I will sacrifice anything to ensure that she gets a quality education and has opportunities to excel both academically and physically. My daughter thrives in a smaller classroom environment where she can get more direct influence and oversight from her teachers. This was the driving factor in choosing a private school.

As a single mother, I routinely struggled to pay the bills while simultaneously paying private school tuition. But as I said, my daughter comes first, and I did what I had to do to ensure she would get the education she needs and deserves. In short, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund has been a lifesaver! Once I was notified that I was a recipient of the scholarship, I broke down in tears, as a tremendous weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Words alone cannot convey my gratitude for this tremendous gift. I am forever grateful to our lawmakers who support this initiative to help our children receive the quality education they deserve.

For many, access to educational institutions outside of the public school system is financially inaccessible. This system continually punishes those who, though otherwise qualified, cannot attend a private school simply because they cannot afford it. I have several friends who teach in the public school system. I admire them for their daily commitment to trying to teach our children, oftentimes without any parental support.

But for some children, a public school just isn’t the right fit. The inability to pay for a private school should not be the sole limiting factor in a child being able to attend. I believe every child has an inherent right to a quality education, and if they meet the prerequisites to get into a private school, they should be afforded the opportunity.

That is where the ESTF scholarship comes in. By providing scholarship opportunities to those who cannot afford a private school, you are leveling the playing field. Furthermore, this promotes diversity within our private schools and rewards deserving students who will thrive. I am so thankful for these opportunities and strongly encourage our lawmakers to continue supporting this initiative. Our kids deserve no less!